Golf Training System and Method

ABSTRACT

The training system comprises a base assembly, an upright extension, a chin support member, and a putter. In use, the training system positions the user&#39;s overall-body prior to and throughout the execution of a putt, and teaches proper putting technique, thus improving the user&#39;s putting accuracy. The chin support engages the chin of the user, preventing movement of the user&#39;s head.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a golf training system. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a golf training systemand method for improving a user's putting technique.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf training systems, used for improving a user's golfing game, aregenerally known in the art. One example of such system discloses a golfswing training device, for setting and maintaining proper arm positionthroughout a full golf swing. This is done by forcing a golfer to keephis or her arms in plane during the entire swing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,312 illustrates a chipping and putting trainingdevice. That device has a pair of cuffs, which are joined to one anotherby a main body. The cuffs position the golfer's forearms, and hold theuser's arms and shoulders in place, so that the golfer develops a musclememory of the correct swing. The device is three-way adjustable to allowvertical, horizontal, and angular positioning of the cuffs and armsrelative to one another.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,325,169, illustrates an adjustable arm for holding thegolfer's head down during a swing as to keep said golfer's eye on theball during the execution of a swing U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,730,illustrates an invention whereby a golfer can be held in a desiredposition to a golf training apparatus while making practice swings.

Whereas the above-referenced devices and systems are suitable for theirintended purposes, none of the prior art discussed disclose a puttingtraining system providing an ulnar assembly and a chin stabilizingassembly, for improving a user's putting technique. Prior art disclosesvarious aspects and segmented approaches to the “golf swing”. While theprior art generally addresses the putting process, the aggregation ofthe putting process as a movement pattern, best understood within akinesthetic awareness paradigm, has not been addressed.

The present invention takes into account the kinesthetic awarenessindicators and the cognitive process involved in assimilating the skilland knowledge of putting. Accordingly, the present golf training systemand method is patentable over other prior art in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is desirable to provide a golf putting training system for teachingputting technique. It is further desirable to provide a system with aneffective design and construction. It is also desirable that suchtraining system and method, enables a user to practice the mechanicaltechnique of putting a golf ball, thereby training the muscle set via akinesthetic awareness or feedback.

It is desirable that the golf training apparatus has a base and anupright extension in connection with a chin support assembly. The chinsupport is attached to the upright extension portion and positioned tosupport the chin of a golfer executing practice putts. The uprightextension portion includes a fastener assembly that is affixed to theinvention's base and rigidly. attached thereto. The fastener enables thechin support to be raised and/or lowered, such that the chin support canbe fitted for use by user's with different heights.

The putter assembly is designed to function within the system'skinesthetic awareness purview. In an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention, the golf putting training system comprises trainingputter handle that is removable from the system's training putter andsuited to fit a variety of conventional putters.

A base assembly comprises visual cues for aligning the user's feet andbody position relative to the ball. Rails are provided, forming a trackfor achieving a controlled pre and post contact stroke. Bridging membersconnect the rails and further provide visual cues for sighting the pathof the ball and the putter during pre and post contact with the golfball.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a golf puttingtraining system which comprises an elongated adjustable putting track asa part of the invention's base that may be increased or decreased inclearance/width, where the user can experience different degrees ofdifficulty in maintaining a swing travel that is parallel to the innerwalls of the track.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golfputting practice system that can be readily installed on anyconventional golf surface. Further novel features and other objects ofthe present invention will become notably apparent from the followingdetailed description and discussion, taken in conjunction with thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustrationonly and not limitation, there is illustrated:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the golf training system, in accordancewith the present invention, illustrating a user engaged with the system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base assembly of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention, illustrating thecomponents of the base assembly and visual indicators;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the base assembly;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the putter assembly of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 a is a exploded perspective view of the adjusting mechanism ofthe putter assembly;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the chin assembly;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded perspective view of the ulnar assemblyillustrating the triangular formation of the ulnar assembly;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a user in engagement with the training systemillustrating a putting motion; and,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, illustrating the training system in acompact carrying formation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like orcorresponding parts throughout the several views, and in particular FIG.1 shows a perspective view of the golf putting training system 10, inaccordance with the present invention. The training system 10 comprisesa base assembly 12, an upright extension 14, a chin support member 16,and a putter assembly 18. When a user is in engagement with the trainingsystem 10, the system 10 positions the user's body in proper formationduring the execution of a putting stroke, thereby teaching the userproper putting technique and further improving the user's puttingaccuracy.

FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, illustrate the base assembly 12, in accordance withthe present invention. As shown, the base assembly 12 comprises rails 20and 22. The base assembly 12 further comprises members 24 and 26. Themembers 24 and 26 are connected to, and extend along the respectiveouter portions of the rails 20 and 22, forming a play track 28 or placespace 28 therebetween. In this embodiment the base 12 is formed byanodized aluminum extrusion, however, notably it is contemplated thatthe base 12 can be formed with other material without departing from thescope of the present invention.

The play track space 28 configuration provides clearance for the head ofthe putter assembly 18 and putter head 42 to be positioned between therails 20, 22 and members 24, 26, as further illustrated in FIG. 4. Therails 20, 22 are positioned along the track 28 forming a guidance. Therails 20, 22 force the user, during a putting stroke, to move the putterhead 42 in generally straight manner, such that the user doesn't hit theinner side portions of the rails 20, 22. As the user practices movementof the putter 18 in a generally straight manner, user's muscle memory istaught a generally straight putting stroke.

The base assembly 12 further comprises a support member 30, a foot gaugeassembly 32, a swing measuring gauge 34. The foot gauge assembly 32extends along the outer portion of the base assembly 12. Notably, it iscontemplated that the foot gauge assembly 32 can be positioned at otherlocations on the base 12, without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. The foot gauge assembly 32 includes a shaft portion38, a series of marks 36 spaced along the shaft, and one or more feetplacement indicators 40 a, and 40 b. The shaft portion 38 extends alongthe base assembly 12 in a generally parallel relationship to the rails20, 22. Notably, the foot gauge assembly 32 is lifted off of the groundor surface, such that a space is formed between the shaft portion 38 andthe surface. The space 80 enables the user to position his feetunderneath the shaft portion 38 of the gauge assembly 32, if necessary,thereby enabling the user to get closer to the putting space 28, and theball positioned therein. In the present embodiment, it is contemplatedthat the portion 38 of foot gauge 32 is approximately 2″ in height abovethe play surface, however other heights are contemplated, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

The feet placement indicators 40 a, 40 b are designed to be removablyaffixed to the shaft portion 38. Further, the feet placement indicators40 a, 40 b are configured to be slid along the length of the shaftportions 38, such that the user can position the feet placement 40 a, 40b indicators at preferred location on the shaft 38. The feet placementindicators 40 a, 40 b, foot gauge 32 with marks formed on the shaftportion 38 cooperatively provide guidance and visual cues. Incooperation, these components guide the user as to where to position hisbody in relationship to the ball located in the space 28.

The swing gauge 34 provides guidance to the user when performing theput. The putting gauge 34 is positioned along the rails 20, 22 such thatthe user when focusing on a ball positioned in the playing space 26 canalso see the swing gauge 34, thereby providing a visual cue. In oneembodiment, the gauge 34 comprises three (3) aluminum extrusions cappedoff with two (2) injection molded parts.

The swing gauge 34 provides visual guidance to the user on the distanceto move the putter 18 during the putting motion, which will be furtherdescribed later in this application. The members 24, 26 comprisecenter-line indicator marks 82, which assist the user in center placingthe ball within the space 28. The marks 82 further provide a visual cueto the user during the putting stroke to assist the user in keeping theputter in the middle of the space 28 during the stroke.

FIG. 5 illustrates the putter assembly 18, in accordance with thepresent invention. The putter 18 comprises a head 42 (i.e. strikingsurface), a shaft component 44, a grip 52 and an ulnar assembly 56. Inone embodiment of the present invention, the putter 18 has head 42configured for left or right handed putting strokes, which can be atwo-sided faced putter 18, also generally referred to as anon-directional putter 18. In such embodiment, the putter 18 enables aleft handed or right handed user to use the putter assembly 18. Theshaft component 44 extends generally from and between the handle 48 ofthe putter and the head 42.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the shaft component 44 hasan adjustable length. In such embodiment, the shaft component has afirst shaft 44 a, a second shaft 44 b, and a fastening mechanism 50. Inthis embodiment, a tapered thread coupling 50 is illustrated isconnected to the first shaft 44 a. The putter grip 52 is connected tothe second shaft 44 b, and has a tapered external thread 54 with one ormore mirrored relives on opposing sides. The coupling 50 has internalthreads (not shown) configured for attachment with the external threads54, so as to form a locking mechanism. The shaft component 44 isadjusted to a preferred length by the user, and then the couplingmechanism 50 is positioned into engagement with the end portion of thehandle 48 causing engagement between the internal and external threads,and thereby locking the shaft 44 in place. It is further contemplatedthat another fastening mechanism used to secure the shaft inside of thehandle area can be used, without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. As such, the putter can be adjusted from a 32 inch putter toa 38 inch putter in length.

The training putter 18 has at the upper portion, referred to here as theulnar assembly 56. The ulnar assembly 56 is configured for positioningthe ulnar region, or forearm region of the arm in a desirable positionfor performing accurate putting action. The Ulnar assembly is rigidly,however removably affixed to the shaft 44, so as to restrict undesirablethe “breaking” of the wrist during the putting. As aforementioned, thepositioning of the user's arms, and particularly ulnar region of thearms is critical in the teaching and performance of accurate putting. Asshown, ulnar assembly 56 generally comprises an ulnar base 58, a firstarm cuff 60 a and a second arm cuff 60 b. The ulnar base 58 is generallyconfigured in the shape of an inverted triangle. The base can be formedfrom an injection mold foam, providing a generally lightweightstructure. The upper portion of the shaft is formed from an injectionmolded core. The grip 56 is fitted along the upper portion.

The arm cuffs 60 a and 60 b are configured for removable attachment tothe ulnar base 58. In one embodiment of the present invention, the ulnarassembly 56 is equipped with a velcro system 62. As demonstrated, thevelcro system 62 comprises a series of velcro strips 64 a and 64 bpositioned along the respective arm cuffs 60 a and 60 b, and therespective locations on the ulnar base 58 at 65 a and 65 b. This system62 enables the cuffs 60 a, and 60 b to be easily and comfortablyattached, and detached from the base 58, as desired. Notably, it iscontemplated that other suitable means for attaching the ulnar cuffs 60a, 60 b and the base 68 exist without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. The cuffs 60 are configured for adjustment along theforearm portion of the arm.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cuffs 60 are adjustable for receiving differentsized user's forearms. In the present embodiment, the size of the cuffsare adjustable into different sizes using Velcro. In the presentembodiment, the cuffs 60 comprise a series of openings 68 for providingventilation to the arm region. In this embodiment, the cuffs 60 are madeof a foam lightweight material, however, it is contemplated that thecuffs can be constructed with other forms of plastic, foam, cloth, orother material, without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

The human ulnar nerve comes from the medial cord of the brachial plexus,and runs interior on the posterior and medial (posteromedial) aspects ofthe humerus down the arm, going behind the medial epicondyle, throughthe cubical tunnel, at the elbow (where it is exposed for a fewcentimeters, just above the joint). Because of the mild pain andtingling throughout the forearm associated with an inadvertent impact ofthe nerve at this point, it is usually called the “funny bone”. TheUlnar nerve can be trapped or pinched in various ways as it proceedsdown the arm from the Brachial plexus to the ring and middle fingers.The ulnar cuffs 60 a, 60 b, are designed to engage the ulnar nerve alongthe forearm so as to alert the user to slight movements affecting theulnar nerve, especially when the user has the ulnar cuffs on his armsand improperly moves his wrists during putting action.

In FIGS, 4 and 6, there is shown the extension 70, in accordance withthe present invention. The extension 70 is connected to the base 12 ofthe training system 10 at the support 30. The extension 70 has agenerally elongated configuration. As shown, the extension 70 has anadjusting feature 72, enabling the user to adjust the extension 70 to adesired length. In one embodiment, the extension provides an adjustingcollar 72 for adjusting locking the extension 70 in at a preferredlength. The adjusting collar 72 can be loosened to adjust the length ofthe extension 70, and also tightened by adjusting a collar mechanism.The adjustable collar 72 provides for one to six inches of adjustment ofthe extension 70. Notably, it is contemplated that the extension 70 canbe adjusted whatever desired length, without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the ulnar assembly 56, furtherillustrating the triangular formation of the assembly 56. As shown, theulnar assembly 56 has an apex “A”. The cuffs 60 a and 60 b attachedalong the sides of the ulnar assembly 56 are separated about the apex“A” by an angle “B” of approximately 40 degrees, whereby angle “C” isapproximately 70 degrees. This angular configuration of the ulnarassembly 56 provides for proper user arm configuration when holding theputter 18. Notably, it is contemplated that other formations of the basewith variable triangular angles for creating a desired grip formationare contemplated without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

As further shown in FIG. 6, the extension is connected to a chinstabilizing member 74. The chin stabilizing member is configured forengagement with the user's head. In the present embodiment, thestabilizing member 74 is a chin stabilizer, which engages the user'schin. The chin stabilizer 74 is configured so as to engage users chin.When the player is in a centered position with the base, the stabilizerengages the user's chin below the tip of his chin. The stabilizer 74 hasa padded surface to provide comfort while engaged with the user. Themolded foam padded surface provides comfort to the user when the chin isengaged with the chin assembly.

The method and use of the training system 10 are illustrated in FIGS.8-9. As shown in FIG. 8, the user in engagement with the system 10, theline 110 along the top portion of the ulnar assembly 56 invertedtriangle remains a constant angle throughout the putting stroke. Takentogether, the large muscle constraints along with fine motor awarenessprecipitated via the use of the invention of record, afford thekinesthetic awareness or feedback that helps the user(s) to achieve aset of stroke. Further, the full inverted triangular base formed in theulnar Segment 56 also creates a wedge with the arms. The wedge keeps thearms in this desired formation and constant throughout pre and postcontact of the putting stroke resulting in a fulcrum about the cervicalcurve (given the chin's stagnate position) thereby causing the user torotate his shoulders thereabouts. Whereas it is conceivable andpredictable that the relationship (angle) between a line drawn along andthrough the user's shoulders (10) movement patterns (any configurationof movements in the same general spatial plane) and a sports skills(specific to a sport event and associated with a particular mechanicalpurpose) necessary to achieve a level of success and consistency inputting. awareness of his or her grip and wrist movement during puttingprocess—once the Ulnar Wraps are properly closed about the user's armthe user can track of the slightest pressure exerted via the ring andlittle finger in relationship to those finger's position and thetaughtness of his or her grip about the training putter.

It is crucial to the putting process that the wrist remains ridgedthrough pre and post contact with the golf ball. The training putter 18of record extends the inverted triangle 56 of the Ulnar Segment 56 toits apex, culminating at the training putter's shaft/hand-grip area.

The method provides that the user adjust the putter assembly length (l)to the desired length. The desired length is generally related to theheight an arm length of the user. The user slides his forearms in therespective cuffs 60 a and 60 b. The user affixes his arms to the puttersuch that his arms are formed in a triangular shape, as shown in FIGS.1, 9 and 10. A ball has been placed in the play space 26 the methodfurther provides that starting with the users's visual focus, the user'schin is positioned at the stabilizing member 74 of adjustable extension70 above the target ball placed. The telescoping upright extension 70 isadjusted to the user's desired length to accommodate the user's height.The extension 70 is adjusted, however, the extension is not rigid orrestricted from side-to-side deflection and can be moved (in aside-to-side manner) by the movement of the golfer's chin. The rigidnessof the adjustable extension provides such that the slightest movement inthe golfer's chin is detectable to the user.

The extension 70 remains in plain view of the user and can function asan open sight for targeting the ball. The tactile contact between thegolfer's chin and the perch. interaction, visual, kinesthetic andcognitive between the golfer and the invention of record is at the coreof and is synergistic to the method of putting as disclosed in “ThePutting Answer: A Method and Apparatus for Training Golf Putting,” andincorporated herein by reference.

The user align has body along the centerpoint of the base assembly 12.The user places his feet in line with the foot indicators 40 a, 40 b atthe desired location. The user places his chin in contact with the chinstabilizer 74. Places putter head between rails 20, 22. The user gripsthe putter 18 such that his arms are firmly secured in the ulnarassembly 56 and pressed against the ulnar 56 forming the arms in atriangular configuration.

As shown in FIG. 8, the user's body is positioned along the assembly 10,such that the user's chin and chin stabilizer 74 remain stationary alongplane 100 during a stroking movement of the putter 18 and head 42. Themethod of the present invention contemplates that the user utilizesswing measuring gauge 34 to serve as a guide in determining how far tomove the putter head 42 back, during the back stroking motion. Forexample, the user moves the putter head 42 one inch from the ball asindicated on the swing measuring gauge 34, in order to make the balltravel one foot. In another example, the user moves the putter head 42three inches from the ball, according to the swing measuring gauge 34,in order to make the ball travel three feet.

The method for training a user comprising the steps of providing atraining assembly 10 including a chin stabilizing member 14, putterassembly 18, and a base assembly 12. Next, by positioning user in aputting body position relative to the training assembly 10 and placingthe users arms in contact with the putter 18. Next, adjusting the chinstabilizing member 14 to a desired length according to the user'sheight, such that the member is in contact with the user's chin while inputting position, and the users head faces a downward position towards aspace formed in the base assembly, such that the user can see the ballpositioned in the space.

Next, position the putter assembly 18 having a putter head 42, in aprovided space 28 located relative to a ball positioned in the space 28.Next, perform a putting stroke motion and striking the ball positionedin the space 28 by moving the users arms and connected putter 18 intocontact with the ball, and keeping the users head stable by keeping chinin connection with the chin stabilizing member 14 such that the headremains in rigid, non-moving downward facing position.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the base assembly 12 of the presentinvention provides a light weight, easily movable unit. As further shownin the drawings, the base 12 has a first formation 84 or opening formedin the lower portion of the base 12. The formation 74 is configured forengagement with the putter assemby 18 such that the putter assembly 18can be removably affixed to the formation. The formation 84 flexslightly enabling the putter to be inserted therein and forming asnap-fit connection with the putter 18. A second formation 86 is formedin the lower part of the base 18. The second formation 86 is configuredfor engagement with the extension member 16. The chin stabilizerassembly 16, such that they can be removably attached to the base 12.This compact feature enables the putting system 10 and components to beeasily moved from one location to the next. As further shown in FIG. 10,the gauge 32 acts as a carrying handle as well.

1. A golf training system comprising: a base assembly configured to bepositioned in front of e user, an extension member configured to extendfrom the base assembly to the user's chin, a chin member connected tothe extension member and configured to engage a user's chin; theextension member including an adjusting feature permitting the length ofthe extension member to be adjusted to a selected length; wherein theextension member extends from the base member to the user's chin suchthat the chin member engages the user's chin thereby preventing movementof the user's head during a putting stroke.